Christians Martyred, Homes Burnt in Pakistan-October 21, 2009- Intercede International

Christians Martyred, Homes Burnt in Pakistan

PAKISTAN (INS)—Anti-Christian extremists burnt seven Christians to death, torched more than 50 homes of Christians and two churches in the city of Gojra and looted at least 50 more homes in early August. Assisted by Intercede International, Salem Johnson of Pakistan Gospel Assemblies plans to offer emergency relief for Christians there who have been displaced by the violence.

Seven Christians were burnt alive, 18 injured and more than 50 houses were set on fire by the Muslim mob on the base of false alleged desecration of the Koran in Gojra on August 1, 2009, reports PGA. A wedding was taking place in Koryan Village, and some of the party had traveled from overseas. A rumour was spread that pages of the Koran had been desecrated at the wedding, which precipitated the violence against local Christians.

After the attack, eye-witnesses reported, “People were crying and weeping on the death of their relatives, who were burnt alive. The eye-witnesses told that the local mosque imam (religious cleric) announced in the Friday’s Prayer that Christians should get the punishment over the alleged desecration of the Koran. Before this incident the mob burnt a total of 60 houses in Koryan village. All people fled from the area at the time of the militant attack, so they took away or killed their animals.”

On August 1, close to Gojra, the local imam announced on a loudspeaker of the mosque to alert the Christians, “We are coming to give you a lesson—prepare yourselves,” reports Johnson. Christians approached the imam and requested him to stop this action. Then they also approached local leaders, who assured the Christian community there would be no problem—they were only conducting a peaceful protest.

Unfortunately, the local Christians didn’t know about the mob plan. The mob marched toward Gojra’s Christian Town along with weapons and chemicals with the sole purpose of destroying Christian residents. They were throwing gasoline or chemical-filled bottles into houses and then set them on fire. Before burning the houses, they broke into the houses and looted currency and gold from them.

More than 50 houses were completely destroyed, including their clothes, beds, fans, refrigerators, bicycles and motorcycles. There were two churches also destroyed including burning of the Bible and praise and worship instruments.

Mr. Shahbaz told that the mob was not local people. They belonged to the Islamic militant group “Sipa-e-Sahaba” who came from Jhang to take this action. They covered their faces with veils and had the latest weapons. They threw gasoline bombs and fired indiscriminately, reports Johnson.

Mr. Victor Arthur told that police were there for the protection of the Christian community, but when the mob marched toward residences of the Christians, police could not stop them and allowed them to enter the homes of the Christians. Most of the residents fled.

Please pray for these displaced and persecuted families, that God will restore their lives, and that Intercede and the Pakistani Christians will be able to bring them emergency help.

For more information on Intercede’s work and partner agencies, please check out: www.intercedenow.ca.

Photo: Parveen (centre) lost her mother and sister in the attacks in Gojra. (Intercede International Photo)

470PGA

October 21, 2009